On this trip we visit the fascinating historical and cultural sites of Jordan and Israel. We explore the Negev Desert,Wadi Rum and visit ancient Jerash and Bethlehem. We walk through the historic streets of Jerusalem and among theimpressive rock-cut tombs at Petra. We also spend the night at a kibbutz and camp out under the stars in Wadi Rum.

Trip highlights

Prophets and Petra

Jerusalem - We tour the Old City, visit the Mount of Olives and walk the Via Dolorosa

Dead Sea - Float in the buoyant waters of the lowest place on the planet

Masada - Visit the fortress city of the Zealots of the First Revolt

W adi Rum - Experience the desert with stunning rock formations and associations with Lawrence of Arabia

Petra - Spend time in the famous 'Rose Red City'

ACCOMMODATION GRADE:

StandardOur standard, mid-range accommodation offers a good level of service, often with other amenities such as a restaurant,bar, garden or swimming pool. Generally rooms will be comfortable with en suite facilities.

Prophets and Petra11 days

Israel, Jordan - Trip code MH

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ItineraryItineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.

Your tour starts today in Amman, the capital of Jordan. Amman is a fascinating city of contrasts - a unique blend of old and new. TheTemple of Hercules is in the commercial heart of the city along with ultra-modern buildings, hotels, smart restaurants, art galleriesand boutiques. These comfortably rub shoulders with traditional coffee shops and tiny artisans' workshops. Due to the city'smodern-day prosperity and temperate climate, almost half of Jordan's population is concentrated in the Amman area. Theresidential suburbs consist of mainly tree-lined streets and avenues flanked by elegant white houses in accordance with a municipallaw, which states that all buildings must be faced with local stone. The downtown area is much older and more traditional withsmaller businesses producing and selling everything from fabulous jewellery to everyday household items.

Accommodation: Toledo Hotel (or similar)

This morning we visit the cultural heart of the Hashemite kingdom with a tour of its vibrant capital. The origins of this remarkablecity have been traced back some 9,000 years but it was the arrival of the Ammonites in 1200BC that saw the city begin its rise toprominence as the great city of Rabbath Ammon. The intervening centuries saw it fall under the influences of the Israelites,Assyrians, Babylonians, Ptolomids, Seleucids and the Romans, under whose auspices it thrived as one of the 10 cities of theDecapolis. Our tour this morning will take in some of the highlights of ancient Amman (Philadelphia), including the Citadel and theTemple of Hercules, the 8th century Ummayad Palace and the Roman Theatre and Nymphaeum. This afternoon we depart the cityand head north, towards ancient Jerash, located in the Gilead Hills. One of Jordan's major attractions, this beautifully preservedRoman city is considered to be the best preserved of the Decapolis, a confederation of ten Middle Eastern cities under the EmperorPompey. One of the highlights of the Middle East, a triple arch gateway gives way to colonnaded streets, theatres, temples and bathsand it is estimated that this represents only about 10% of the entire city, the rest is still to be uncovered. We will tour this magnificentsite with a local guide before returning to Amman.

TRIP PACE:

Full onFull on paced trips are for travellers who like their holidays packed with activities and experiences, moving on quickly fromplace to place with lots of early starts and long, busy days. Some may find them tiring, but others get a buzz from packingtheir precious holiday-time as chock-a-block full of new experiences as possible!

GROUP SIZE:

12 - 18Maximum group size ranges from between 6 to 20 people, depending on the type of trip, the transport and accommodationused and activities included. We rarely have groups that are smaller than five or six people and the average is 12 people plusan Explore leader.

DAY 1 - Join tour Amman

Standard Hotel

Swimming pool available

Single room available

Meals Provided: None

DAY 2 - AM tour of Amman, then drive to Jerash and visit site

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Accommodation: Toledo Hotel (or similar)

Today we venture south to the Dead Sea. We will take some time to enjoy and float in the remarkable saline waters. At 418m belowsea level this salty expanse of mineral rich water has been revered for centuries for its beneficial properties. We then head back tothe main road to drive to Petra, the most famous of Jordan's treasures. Abandoned centuries ago Petra was the rock cut strongholdof the Nabateans, a fortress city built to protect the lucrative levies its citizens imposed on the rich caravans heading north.Surrounded by imposing mountains and approached through a deep, narrow cleft in the rocks, known as the Siq, it is a unique andunforgettable place and, enhanced by the play of light and shadow, an altogether overwhelming experience. Entering the Siq onfoot we follow its towering sandstone walls towards the site of the captivating and iconic splendour of the beautiful Khazneh (Thefamous Treasury). A guided orientation tour will take us to some of the key parts of this remarkable site. We'll take in theColonnaded Street and the Royal Tombs and marvel at the amazing theatre, with its 8,000 seats carved from solid rock. After ourguided tour there will be free time to explore independently.

Accommodation: Petra Palace Hotel (or similar)

Today we have a full free day at Petra. Returning to the city we climb steep paths to the sacrificial 'High Places' (altars) and hike tothe top of Jebel Harin (1396m) for a stunning view over Wadi Araba and the Negev Desert. The Monastery is the largest of Petra'smonuments and certainly worth the steep climb up to it. Towering to a height of 40m its doorway alone measures 8m in height,dwarfing anyone framed within it. We also recommend a trip to El Beidha (or 'Little Petra' as it is known) or to an excavated StoneAge village where you can see the remains of houses, fireplaces and workshops dating from around 6000BC. After a busy daysightseeing, what better way to relax than with a traditional Ottoman Bath or perhaps return to the city this evening and enjoy anenchanting tour of the city by night (both optional).

Accommodation: Petra Palace Hotel (or similar)

Standard Hotel

Swimming pool available

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

DAY 3 - Dead Sea visit and travel to Petra with afternoon guided tour

Standard Hotel

Swimming pool available

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

DAY 4 - Full day sight seeing in Petra

Standard Hotel

Swimming pool available

Single room available

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This morning there is the opportunity to spend some more time at Petra if you wish before we continue our journey to the hauntingvistas of Wadi Rum. We enter another world, one inhabited by the nomadic Bedouin peoples for generations and steeped in thelegend of Lawrence of Arabia. Indeed scenes from the remarkable film of his life were shot here, deep in the fabulous purpleblackmountains that rise from the sand of the desert. On arrival we transfer into 4 wheel drive vehicles and cross the dramatic desertlandscape, to marvel at the panoramas of what is surely some of Jordan's most dramatic wilderness. We arrive at our camp in timeto watch the golden glow of the sunset cast its pall over the desert landscape and settle in to enjoy dinner and a night under the stars.The campsite we use presents the opportunity to experience traditional Bedouin living arrangements in a large communal style goathair tent, which provides the best protection against typical desert extremes of hot and cold weather. The tent is laid out with rugs,mattresses, pillows and sleeping bags and is where each tribe would commune to eat, sleep and socialise. A toilet and wash blockwith limited washing facilties is also available during your stay.

Accommodation: Wadi Rum Explore Camp (or similar)

This morning we drive to Aqaba and have a day to enjoy the Red Sea. The day is your own but your tour leader will be on hand tooffer advice on any optional activities to maximise your time here. You can explore both above and below the waves, taking a boattrip or hiring snorkelling equipment.

Accommodation: My Hotel (or similar)

We leave Jordan behind and cross into Israel and the Palestinian terretories. Our first stop is the isolated hilltop fortress city ofMasada. The last stronghold of the Zealots, against the Romans during the First Revolt AD70. Originally fortified by Herod theGreat the fortress gained renown for withstanding a further two years of assault after the crushing of the Jewish resistance inJerusalem by the Romans. Taking a cable car up to the citadel we get some stunning views of the surrounding desert, Mount Moaband the Dead Sea. We will explore the ruins before heading back to the bus. Our next stop as we head towards Jerusalem takes us toQumran, home of the Essenes, a strict and devout Jewish sect who lived in the area until early in the 1st century AD. They arebelieved to have been the authors of the 2,000 year old manuscripts found amongst the hillside caves in 1947. The Dead Sea scrollsare amongst the most important biblical records ever discovered, providing historians and archaeologists with an incredible insightinto the development of the Bible and its historical context. Our night stop is in a traditional kibbutz.

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 5 - Drive to Wadi Rum; optional camel trek

Simple Tented Camp

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 6 - Drive to coastal town of Aqaba

Standard Hotel

Swimming pool available

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

DAY 7 - Cross into Israel and visit Masada and Qumran.

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Accommodation: Kibbutz Kalia (or similar)

Today we drive to the Mount of Olives before entering Jerusalem before passing through Herod's Gate and making our way alongnarrow winding streets that overflow with street vendors and shops to the Via Dolorosa. This is traditionally believed to be theroute taken by Christ on the day of his execution. We will follow the 'Stations of the Cross' to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, theholiest site in Christendom itself and the reputed place of the crucifixion, burial and eventual resurrection of Jesus Christ.Jerusalem is unique in that it is a place held sacred by the three great monotheistic religions of the world and after having visitedChristendom's most sacred site we move on to that of Judaism, the Western Wall. Believed by Jews to be the last remaining remnantof the second Temple, the wall is considered the most revered of all sites for the Jews and is a place of constant prayer. From herewe continue, if access is allowed, onto the Dome of the Rock and Islam's claim to this holy trinity. This is believed to be the site ofMohammed's ascension to heaven and is the third holiest site in Islam, not to mention one of the most impressive examples ofIslamic architecture in the world. Our final visit of the day is to Mount Zion visiting the Last Supper rooms and King David's Tomb.

Accommodation: The Post Hostel (or similar)

This morning we drive through the new part of Jerusalem, taking in the Hebrew University, the Parliament building and theSupreme Court, before continuing to the Israel Museum and the Shrine of the Book, home of the Dead Sea Scrolls parchments andthe largest museum to all things Israeli anywhere on the planet. We'll also visit Yad Vashem, Israel's official memorial to the Jewishvictims of the Holocaust that sits at the foot of Mount Herzl. In the afternoon we visit the historic City of David, the first city ofJerusalem. We will stroll along the water channels till we reach the Pool of Siloam, mentioned in the bible and thought to be theplace that Jesus healed a blind man. From here we journey up the old Herodian Road to the Wailing Wall, believed by Jews to be thelast remnant of the second Temple and, as such, considered the most revered of all sites for the Jews.

Accommodation: The Post Hostel (or similar)

Standard Kibbutz

Swimming pool available

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast and Dinner

DAY 8 - Visit Jerusalem

Standard Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

DAY 9 - Full Day sightseeing in and around Jerusalem

Standard Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

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Today we have a full free day to explore more of Jerusalem or there are two optional trips on offer. the first is to visit Tel Aviv or Jaffaand Caesarea. The second option is a tour of Bethlehem . Your tour leader will be available to assist with any excursions you maywish to take.

Accommodation: The Post Hostel (or similar)

Tour ends in Jerusalem after breakfast.

DAY 10 - Full free day for exploring or take optional trips

Standard Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

DAY 11 - Tours ends Jerusalem

Meals Provided: Breakfast

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What's included?

Included meals

Breakfast: 10

Dinner: 3

Transport

Bus

4WD

Trip staff

Explore Tour Leader

Camp Crew

Driver(s)

Local Guide(s)

Accommodation

8 nights standard hotel

1 nights standard kibbutz

1 nights simple tented camp

Trip information

Israel Holidays & ToursClimate

Israel has a Mediterranean climate. Summer is hot with fairly high humidity in coastal regions. Rainfall is mostly from November toMarch: during this period temperatures can drop quite sharply, particularly in December, so pack accordingly.

Time difference to GMT

+2

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Jewish, Islam, Christian.

Language

Hebrew, Arabic, English.

Jordan Holidays & ToursClimate

During April to November days are generally sunny and hot without rain with temperatures around 32°C. In spring and autumnevenings can be cool and night temperatures can drop suddenly especially in the desert. Expect cold nights in winter (December toFebruary) when temperatures can drop to around 0 degrees. Some rain should also be expected at this time of year.

Time difference to GMT

+2

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Islam

Language

Country information

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Arabic

Optional activitiesPetra - Ottoman bath £24, 'Petra by Night' £17. Wadi Rum - Camel trek £28.00 Jerusalem Sound & Light Show - $15 Casarea Haifand Acre - Full Day tour $115 Bethlehem Tour - half day - $51 Tel Aviv Street Art Tour half day- $55

ClothingFor Jordan pack essentially lightweight clothing, with a sun-hat and neck protection, though a sweater and light jacket are advisablefor Wadi Rum. Early mornings can be very chilly when camping in the desert and winters in Jordan can be cold, so please bringsuitable warm clothing. We recommend a waterproof jacket in winter. Women are advised not to wear shorts or dresses that aretoo revealing as this can attract unwelcome attention in the streets of Muslim towns - loose fitting trousers or slacks are ideal.Women should also cover their head and shoulders when entering a mosque and men should wear long trousers. For Israel and thePalestinian Territories convention demands that long trousers are worn in some Jewish and Christian holy places, and women mustcover their arms, legs and head. During winter (October to March) medium weight clothing and rainwear is advisable. A fleece willbe useful during this time for early mornings (Masada visit) when it can be chilly.

FootwearComfortable walking shoes or boots, trainers and sandals.

Luggage20kg

Luggage: On tourOne main piece of baggage and daypack. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.

EquipmentSleeping bags, blankets and mattresses are provided, but we suggest you bring your own sleeping sheet. A personal water bottle andsmall torch are useful for the night camping. In addition a high factor suncream and sunglasses.

TippingExplore leaderTour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service youreceive.

Local crewLocal Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look tomembers of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the TourLeaders may organise a group's tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour. Accordingly you shouldallow approx £40 for gratuitites.

International Departure TaxesThe Jordanian government levies on all travellers a departure tax of JD8.00 per person. For travellers departing by air this is usuallyincluded in the taxes on the airline ticket and thus nothing will be collected from you at the point of departure. For those travellersdeparting by land, this will be collected by the immigration authorities at the port of departure from Jordan. There is a $25departure tax payable when leaving Israel & Palestinian Territories for Jordan.

Country Information

Israel Holidays & Tours

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the pricesgiven are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket

Budgeting and packing

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restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.

Dinner price£10.00 - 14.00

Beer price£2.00 - 4.00

W ater price£1.00 - 2.00

Foreign Exchange

Local currencyShekel (NIS).

Recommended Currency For ExchangeIt is easy to exchange major currencies - euros, pounds stirling and US dollars

W here To ExchangeYour tour leader will advise you on arrival.

ATM AvailabilityATM's are widely available.

Credit Card AcceptanceCredit cards are also generally accepted.

Travellers ChequesTravellers Cheques are not easily exchanged and should be avoided.

Jordan Holidays & Tours

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the pricesgiven are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarketrestaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.

Lunch price£10

Dinner price£15

Beer price£4

W ater price£1.5

Foreign Exchange

Local currencyJordanian Dinar

Recommended Currency For ExchangeSterling and US$ are widely accepted though exchange rates tend to favour the US$. It is worth taking some money incash. You may be able to order Dinars from your bank although the rate will usually be lower than purchasing currencyin country.

W here To ExchangeBanks or 'Forex' offices in main towns/cities.

ATM AvailabilityATMs are widely available, but do not always work.

Credit Card AcceptanceIn hotels and some larger shops/restaurants.

Travellers ChequesTravellers Cheques, although still the safest way of carrying money, are difficult to cash in Jordan. There are highcommission charges on Travellers Cheques on a per cheque basis so if using them we suggest you take high

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denomination cheques. Proof of purchase may be necessary for encashment of Travellers Cheques.

Transport InformationBus, 4WD

Accommodation notes

Booking a Single Room

All of our group tours are planned and operated on a twin-share basis, meaning that the standard cost is based either on individualtravellers sharing accommodation with another group member of the same sex, or people who book together sharingaccommodation. Please refer to the tour notes where the single room option availability is detailed on a night by night basis for thistour, and the price for the available nights is detailed on the dates & prices tab by departure date. For Self-Guided trips the SingleRoom supplement offers the option of a single room each and is charged per person. The Single Room supplement also applies tothe third person in a party of three that will be accommodated in a single room.

The tourism infrastructure is well developed in Jordan, Israel & Palestinian Territories and standards are generally good. Ouraccommodation throughout this tour is in modern mid-range hotels with en-suite facilities and air conditioning. We start in a goodhotel in Amman. The hotels used in Israel & Palestinian Territories also are mid-range hotels with en-suite facilities and airconditioning, starting with a comfortable hotel in Jerusalem. A desert camp in Wadi Rum boasts a stunning and little visited part ofthe Wadi. We camp in a communal Bedouin tent and all bedding is provided. There is even a proper toilet! Our final hotel in Petraenjoys a good location, close to the entrance to the site so perfect for exploring. Please note that some hotel swimming pools inJordan may operate separate timetables for men and women.

FCO AdviceWe strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about yourdestination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Officeadvice click here.

For more information from Explore about travel advice, click here Under 18 immigration guidancePlease note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please checkrequirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Essential InformationOnce your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. Before bookingplease ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions

Visa InformationJordan: The Jordanian government have announced that from 01 June 2015, all visa fees will be waivered for tourists of British,American, Australian and Canadian nationalities on arrival at an international Jordanian airport. There are however, certainconditions that each tourist of these nationalities must meet in order to gain the free visa. Most of these are already met by Exploretours, however flight information and arrival date into Jordan both have an effect on qualifying for the free visa. Please see belowfor the category that is applicable to your flight arrangements: The following information relates to the above nationalities travellingon flights to Jordan arranged by Explore arriving on the first day of the tour: In order to qualify for the free visa, the abovenationalities must be met by a representative who will assist with the visa process, this is already arranged by Explore as part of thetransfer arrangements from the airport to the start of the tour. The following information relates to the above nationalities withLand Only arrangements arriving on the first day of the tour: In order to qualify for the free visa, these tourists must be met by arepresentative who will assist with the visa process. Land Only customers of the above nationalities arranging their own flights toarrive in Jordan on the first day of the tour must advise their full flight details to Explore at least 7 days prior to your departure date.We will then arrange for the representative to meet you as part of the transfer arrangements from the airport to the start of the tour.The following information relates to the above nationalities arriving in Jordan prior or after the first day of the tour: In order to

Transport, Accommodation & Meals

Essential information

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qualify for the free visa, tourists of the above nationalities must be met by a representative who will assist with the visa process. Toqualify for the free visa, you must contact Explore at least 7 days prior to your departure date to arrange and purchase a privatetransfer. We will then arrange for the representative to meet you as part of the transfer arrangements. Please Note: For all tourist ofthe above nationalities that arrange their own travel arrangements and do not advise their flight details to Explore within the abovespecified timelines, the Jordanian visa fee of JD40.00 (approximately £40) will be applicable. This must be paid on arrival at aninternational Jordanian airport in order for individuals to gain a visa to enter the country. All other nationalities should consult therelevant consulate to determine if they are applicable for the above free visa on arrival or must gain a visa prior to departure.

If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may consider applying through Explore's recommended visa service in theUK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), alongwith details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questionsrelating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

Booking conditionsBefore booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.

TransfersFind out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with ExploreCustomers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tourspecific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in thedates and prices information.

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.

Joining Tour AbroadCustomers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will now receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the touronly itinerary start and end dates. The transfers will be from the Explore designated airport or train station to the joining point ofyour tour, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. The exception to this rule is customerswho are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station. Free transfers are not available for Self-Guided, Tailormade or Tours for Churches customers.If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On amajority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time ofbooking.

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

InsuranceIt is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrangeappropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurancepolicy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities.Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensureyour policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration ofyour holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover foryour trip. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the UnitedKingdom.Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight informationExplore offers a wide range of flexible flying options to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.

Flight InformationYou are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fullyprotected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme. Booking a flight inclusive package with ExploreWe have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to comparefares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flightoptions to your arrival and departure airport.On our website we display a UK flight inclusive package guide price which is generally based on a London departure. To avoidpaying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak traveldates.

Israel Holidays & ToursVaccinations

Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against, typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio, rabies, hepatitis A and B. The above isnot an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS andNaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.

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Jordan Holidays & ToursVaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus infectious hepatitis and polio. Consult yourtravel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria.

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